It’s official; Christopher Meloni is coming back to HBO. Eight years after his stint on the cable channel’s first dramatic original series Oz, the Law and Order: SVU actor is headed to HBO’s True Blood. We previously reported that the actor was being courted to join season five of Alan Ball’s vampire-infused series, but TV Line now confirms that Meloni’s deal has closed. The actor is joining the cast as a series regular, and will play “An ancient, powerful vampire who holds the fate of Bill and Eric in his hands.” True Blood has gotten increasingly batshit crazy, having crossed over fully into the soap opera realm long ago. After a lackluster third season, the show gained some steam (slightly) this past year with a few more interesting storylines. Season four ended with an intriguing tease for the upcoming season, and I’ve no doubt that Meloni will make for a much-welcomed addition. The actor recently filmed a role in Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot Man of Steel. The fifth season of True Blood is set to air next summer.

Thank you sweet baby Jebus for this AMAZING news. If True Blood wants to keep me watching the series, they need to give me incentive to do so. The prospect of a weekly nekkid visit with Christopher Meloni is the PERFECT incentive to keep me watching. Casting this inspired seems so obvious, and yet, it’s still a nice surprise. I am ALL FOR Meloni joining the cast of True Blood … I wholeheartedly approve … do you?

I loved him on SVU he made that show what it was (along with the amazing Mariska Hargitay) and I did really enjoy his nekkidness on OZ! So now… I think I gotta gy HBO! Make are u post screen caps of his nekkidness Trent ;)